The area had been cordoned off by the authorities. Bolsonaro's supporters overcame the barriers. Several dozen of them ran up the ramp to the convention building to occupy the building's roof, an AFP photographer observed.

Photos were uploaded to online networks that brought back memories of the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Images from Brasília showed a large crowd storming the National Congress, which houses the Senate and House of Representatives. They smashed windows and caused significant property damage. Many invaders wore yellow clothing and waved the Brazilian flag.

Numerous Bolsonaro supporters also gathered on the surrounding lawns and squares and in front of the Planalto presidential palace. Attempts by security forces to push back Bolsonaro supporters with tear gas were apparently unsuccessful.

Lula, who has been the idol of the Latin American left for years, won the runoff election for the presidency on October 30 by a razor-thin margin over Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro has not admitted his electoral defeat and traveled to the United States two days before Lula's inauguration.